What are the most durable/reliable kites these days?

[Jdude]

One thing is for sure, it's not Slingshot

[shymac]

One thing is for sure, it's not Slingshot

Why would you say that? All kites are subject to destruction and bad luck but I can reassure you that Slingshot uses the latest in manufacturing techniques and new high tech materials in our LE, TEIJIN RIPSTOP T9600 canopy, bladders and finish trim materials - such as Ballistic Kevlar, Mark cloth, Neoprene Bumpers, individual Scuff Guards that are strategically placed in the most vulnerable areas of the kite to optimized durability and longevity of the kite ... In addition, Dimension-Polyant Darcron is used in all Slingshot kites for use in leading edge and struts. DP 175 is the undisputed leader in Dacron quality and durability.

Instead of blasting company's about quality, why don't you post images of either bad craftsmanship or capture highlights of design. Remember it wasn't too long ago kites had extremely bad builds and materials.. Trust me kite design and construction have come a long way since 2003 and rider feedback has been the main focus of most changes in build..

Here a few detail photos of Slingshot kite construction.

[William Munney]

One thing is for sure, it's not Slingshot

Why would you say that? All kites are subject to destruction and bad luck but I can reassure you that Slingshot uses the latest in manufacturing techniques and new high tech materials in our LE, TEIJIN RIPSTOP T9600 canopy, bladders and finish trim materials - such as Ballistic Kevlar, Mark cloth, Neoprene Bumpers, individual Scuff Guards that are strategically placed in the most vulnerable areas of the kite to optimized durability and longevity of the kite ... In addition, Dimension-Polyant Darcron is used in all Slingshot kites for use in leading edge and struts. DP 175 is the undisputed leader in Dacron quality and durability.

Instead of blasting company's about quality, why don't you post images of either bad craftsmanship or capture highlights of design. Remember it wasn't too long ago kites had extremely bad builds and materials.. Trust me kite design and construction have come a long way since 2003 and rider feedback has been the main focus of most changes in build..

Here a few detail photos of Slingshot kite construction.

I have some 2005 Fuels that are extremely rugged- I was also able to buy OEM bladders for them.

[idobyms]

What I was looking for is a durable kite with the same (or even better) jumping/height/hangtime characteristics as the SB.

give North Rebel a try...
better jumping / height than SB, at least in big sizes 12/10 m ...
very good hangtime also, not sure better than SB, but similar IMHO

good amounts of dracon on trailing edge, seems well built..
i hope so...just bought one,
I also were looking for durability, good upwind ability, jumping , hangtime etc
really good performance in gusty, not steady at all! winds

I didn`t like the 5th , and still don`t... but found rebel was the best option i had

[Caesar]

give North Rebel a try...
better jumping / height than SB, at least in big sizes 12/10 m ...
very good hangtime also, not sure better than SB, but similar IMHO

good amounts of dracon on trailing edge, seems well built..
i hope so...just bought one,
I also were looking for durability, good upwind ability, jumping , hangtime etc
really good performance in gusty, not steady at all! winds

I didn`t like the 5th , and still don`t... but found rebel was the best option i had

Hi idobyms,

Sorry, I don't like 5 liners.
Though their 2012er canopy material looks very good...

Cheers
Caesar

[idobyms]

One thing is for sure, it's not Slingshot

Why would you say that? All kites are subject to destruction and bad luck but I can reassure you that Slingshot uses the latest in manufacturing techniques and new high tech materials in our LE, TEIJIN RIPSTOP T9600 canopy, bladders and finish trim materials - such as Ballistic Kevlar, Mark cloth, Neoprene Bumpers, individual Scuff Guards that are strategically placed in the most vulnerable areas of the kite to optimized durability and longevity of the kite ... In addition, Dimension-Polyant Darcron is used in all Slingshot kites for use in leading edge and struts. DP 175 is the undisputed leader in Dacron quality and durability.

Instead of blasting company's about quality, why don't you post images of either bad craftsmanship or capture highlights of design. Remember it wasn't too long ago kites had extremely bad builds and materials.. Trust me kite design and construction have come a long way since 2003 and rider feedback has been the main focus of most changes in build..

Here a few detail photos of Slingshot kite construction.

Hi Shymac!
unfortunately I have to agree with Jdude, at least on RPM IMHO
there are no pictures of trailing edge on your last post,
I think that`s the weakest point of SS!
The canopy starts tearing at the trailling edge, and by this time all canopy
is already really weak...

I came from RPM, love them (still keep my 8 m )
but canopy last much shorter than other brands, specially trailling edge
i don`t know why... I don`t know if it is because they don`t have dracon there..but it is what I had seen... lots of RPM with canopy issues at the trailing edge
after a year or less use.. no excesive use, a year or less of an average working-family man/weekend kitesurfer (you know)
that`s why i had to sell my 12 m,

I compared most brands in cumbuco this year, and allmost all had some dracon
reinforcement on trailling edge... why SS don`t ?
I quit SS know,...wishing my 8 m last a bit longer before canopy say enough!!

I wish SS solve what I think is a problem in future,
RPM is a really good kite!!! and SS lines are by far!! the most durable ones for sure!

just my thoughts!

[KAWIKA]

http://switchkites.com/showroom/kites/nitro.html
Free shipping worldwide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7dXiRBs ... ata_player

[acctx]

One thing is for sure, it's not Slingshot

Why would you say that? All kites are subject to destruction and bad luck but I can reassure you that Slingshot uses the latest in manufacturing techniques and new high tech materials in our LE, TEIJIN RIPSTOP T9600 canopy, bladders and finish trim materials - such as Ballistic Kevlar, Mark cloth, Neoprene Bumpers, individual Scuff Guards that are strategically placed in the most vulnerable areas of the kite to optimized durability and longevity of the kite ... In addition, Dimension-Polyant Darcron is used in all Slingshot kites for use in leading edge and struts. DP 175 is the undisputed leader in Dacron quality and durability.

Instead of blasting company's about quality, why don't you post images of either bad craftsmanship or capture highlights of design. Remember it wasn't too long ago kites had extremely bad builds and materials.. Trust me kite design and construction have come a long way since 2003 and rider feedback has been the main focus of most changes in build..

Here a few detail photos of Slingshot kite construction.

Hi Shymac!
unfortunately I have to agree with Jdude, at least on RPM IMHO
there are no pictures of trailing edge on your last post,
I think that`s the weakest point of SS!
The canopy starts tearing at the trailling edge, and by this time all canopy
is already really weak...

I came from RPM, love them (still keep my 8 m )
but canopy last much shorter than other brands, specially trailling edge
i don`t know why... I don`t know if it is because they don`t have dracon there..but it is what I had seen... lots of RPM with canopy issues at the trailing edge
after a year or less use.. no excesive use, a year or less of an average working-family man/weekend kitesurfer (you know)
that`s why i had to sell my 12 m,

I compared most brands in cumbuco this year, and allmost all had some dracon
reinforcement on trailling edge... why SS don`t ?
I quit SS know,...wishing my 8 m last a bit longer before canopy say enough!!

I wish SS solve what I think is a problem in future,
RPM is a really good kite!!! and SS lines are by far!! the most durable ones for sure!

just my thoughts!

Would having a repair shop add dacron to the trailing edge change the flying characteristics? It should be a very inexpensive add on.

[skyte]

I don't think you will have much fun jumping foil kites. I haven't ridden one but I just can't imagine a non rigid frame accelerating as much when you send it. Anyone know where I can find a video of someone sending it big on a foil?

That's the funniest thing I've seen on this forum for a long time! I almost want to send you a free 4.9m Flexifoil Blade and get you to try it in 20knots

[tautologies]

That's the funniest thing I've seen on this forum for a long time! I almost want to send you a free 4.9m Flexifoil Blade and get you to try it in 20knots

Will you send me one if I say something about how shitty a foil is (I am not saying it is, but if it means you send me a kite I will tell you how shitty it is)